St. John's Hospitallers Heritage Tour of England & Scotland

Step into a world of chivalry, courage, and centuries-old tradition. This immersive 12-day journey invites you to follow in the footsteps of the Knights Hospitaller, exploring the castles, chapels, and landscapes that defined their extraordinary legacy. Along the way, enjoy the best of London, the serenity of Scotland’s countryside, and the magic of Edinburgh — all woven together in a travel. 

**Please note this is a private tour. Registration is by invitation only**

BOOKING INFORMATION

August 10 - 21, 2027

6,495.00

Land only based on double occupancy. Single supplement $2500.00

BOOK TOUR

DOWNLOAD PDF OF ITINERARY

*If the tour is SOLD OUT, please contact us to be added to the waitlist.


ITINERARY

Day 1 - Tuesday, August 10: Arrival in London & Windsor

Arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick (to be determined when flights are made public) and meet your private coach for the transfer into London (˜1 hour). Stop in Windsor to visit Windsor Castle, a royal residence for nearly a millennium.  Following free time for lunch you continue to London. 

Settle into your hotel before going on a light orientation walk along the Thames or near Westminster.

Evening Welcome Dinner at a local pub.    

Day 2 - Wednesday, August 11: Temple Church and Historic London

Enjoy a relaxed introduction to London with a guided orientation of the city’s most iconic landmarks, followed by time to witness one of the capital’s traditional ceremonial events, subject to schedule. Continue into the historic heart of Fleet Street for lunch in a classic London pub before exploring the atmospheric Temple Church, famed for its circular nave and medieval knight effigies. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Time permitting, you may want to consider a visit to one of London’s world class attractions (admissions, if applicable are not included):

• Westminster Abbey with Poets’ Corner and the Coronation Chair

• British Museum with the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures

• Churchill War Rooms, the underground nerve centre of WWII

• National Gallery, home to Van Gogh, Turner, and Botticelli

• Imperial War Museum, including the Holocaust Galleries

Day 3 - Thursday, August 12: Clerkenwell — The Order’s English Headquarters

Discover the beautifully restored St John’s Gate, once the grand entrance to the Priory of the Knights Hospitaller. Inside the Museum of the Order of St John, view rare manuscripts, armour, and centuries-old medical artefacts that trace the Order’s evolution from medieval caregivers to modern humanitarian leaders.

In the Priory Church, admire the stained glass and tranquil cloister garden; in the Crypt, see the surviving medieval stonework that has witnessed nearly 900 years of history.

Day 4 - Friday, August 13: Free day. Suggested Optional Experiences

Option A — Royal & Medieval London
Tour the Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels, the medieval White Tower, and the stories of Anne Boleyn and Sir Walter Raleigh. Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, then enjoy a relaxing Thames cruise with views of Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the London Eye.

Option B — Stonehenge & Bath
Stand before the ancient stones of Stonehenge, learning about its astronomical alignments and mysterious origins. Continue to elegant Bath, where you may visit the Roman Baths, the Pump Room, and the sweeping Georgian crescents that inspired Jane Austen.

Option C — Beatles Heritage Experience
Travel by high-speed train to Liverpool. Explore the Albert Docks, the Beatles Story Museum, and enjoy the Magical Mystery Tour, visiting Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, and the childhood homes of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

Day 5 - Saturday, August 14: Scenic Rail to Scotland

Enjoy a relaxing rail journey through England’s green countryside into Scotland’s dramatic landscapes. On arrival, settle into your countryside hotel near Falkirk / Linlithgow, surrounded by rolling hills, historic villages, and peaceful lochs.    

Day 6 - Sunday, August 15: Torphichen Preceptory & Stirling Castle

Explore Torphichen Preceptory, the only surviving Scottish house of the Knights Hospitaller. Walk through the Chapter House, the cloister remnants, and the ancient sanctuary stones that once marked the Order’s jurisdiction.

Continue to Stirling Castle, where you’ll visit the Great Hall, the Royal Palace, the Chapel Royal, and the Regimental Museum. Enjoy panoramic views across the Highlands and the Wallace Monument.

Day 7 - Monday, August 16: Linlithgow Palace & The Falkirk Wheel

Tour the romantic ruins of Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Explore the Great Hall, the royal apartments, and the courtyard fountain — one of the finest in Scotland.

Later, board a Union Canal cruise through peaceful countryside to the Falkirk Wheel, where you’ll experience the world’s only rotating boat lift in action — a remarkable blend of engineering and elegance.

Day 8 - Tuesday, August 17: Edinburgh via Rosslyn Chapel / Melrose Abbey

Depart your countryside hotel and travel south through the rolling Midlothian landscape to the exquisite Rosslyn Chapel, famed for its intricate stone carvings, mysterious symbolism, and centuries-old legends. A chapel guide will give a talk that brings its artistry and history to life.

Continue into the Scottish Borders to explore the magnificent ruins of Melrose Abbey, believed to hold the heart of Robert the Bruce. Wander the cloisters, admire the Gothic stonework, and soak in the peaceful setting of one of Scotland’s most beautiful monastic sites.

Arrive in Edinburgh in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Evening at leisure to enjoy the city’s restaurants, pubs, and historic streets.

Day 9 - Wednesday, August 18: Royal Mile & Edinburgh Castle

Walk the historic Royal Mile, visiting St Giles’ Cathedral, the Thistle Chapel, and charming closes and courtyards.

At Edinburgh Castle, see the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, Mons Meg cannon, and the National War Museum. Enjoy sweeping views over the city and the Firth of Forth.

Group dinner with castle views.

Day 10 - Thursday, August 19: Royal Yacht Britannia & The Military Tattoo

This morning after breakfast we travel by public transit to the Royal Yacht Britannia where you will explore the State Apartments, the Royal Family’s private rooms, the engine room, and the sun deck. Lunch in the onboard café overlooking the harbour.

In the evening, experience the unforgettable Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with massed pipes and drums, international performers, and the castle illuminated above the esplanade.

Day 11 - Friday, August 20: Edinburgh at Leisure

A full day to enjoy Edinburgh your way:
• Visit the National Museum of Scotland
• Explore Holyrood Palace
• Shop along Princes Street or Victoria Street
• Stroll through Princes Street Gardens

Farewell Dinner in the evening.

Day 12 - Saturday, August 21: End of Tour

Your tour ends this morning after breakfast. A transfer to Edinburgh Airport will be offered to accommodate participants returning on Air Canada or Air Transat (subject to air schedule when published in fall 2026).

ITINERARY PDF

EXPLORE THE AREA

INCLUDED

• 11 nights’ hotel accommodation based on double occupancy • Transportation throughout the tour, including: o Oyster Card with £25.00 credit for use in London o Train from London to Edinburgh o Coaches for all sightseeing in Scotland o Transfer to Edinburgh Airport on August 21 • Admissions to: o Windsor Castle o St. John’s Gate and the Museum of the Order of St. John o Temple Church o Torphichen Preceptory o Stirling Castle o Linlithgow Palace o The Falkirk Wheel o Rosslyn Chapel o Melrose Abbey o Edinburgh Castle o The Royal Yacht Britannia • Meals: o Daily breakfast o Three dinners, (Day 1, 9 and 11) and 1 lunch (Day 3)

NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare from Canada • Beverages with meals • Meals not listed under “Included” • Items of a personal nature • ETA required for Canadians to travel to the United Kingdom. Contact the office for more details. • Optional insurance premiums. Rate vary depending on age, please contact the office for more information

RECOMMENDED READING

On the Knights Hospitaller

  • The Knights Hospitaller: A Military History of the Knights of St John — John Carr
  • The Knights of St John in the British Realm — E.J. King
  • The Order of St John — Jonathan Riley-Smith

On the Knights Templar (for context before Temple Church)

  • The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God’s Holy Warriors — Dan Jones
  • The New Knighthood: A History of the Order of the Temple — Malcolm Barber

On Medieval London & Sites Visited

  • London: The Biography — Peter Ackroyd
  • Medieval London — Caroline Barron
  • The Temple Church in London — Robin Griffith-Jones

On Scotland & the Medieval Landscape

  • Scotland: A History — Jenny Wormald (ed.)
  • Stirling Castle: The Official Souvenir Guide — Historic Environment Scotland

Historical Fiction (for atmosphere)

  • Dissolution — C.J. Sansom
  • The Pillars of the Earth — Ken Follett


Other tours you may be interested in:

Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains

September 19 - 28, 2026

$8,949 based on double occupancy. Includes airfare from Toronto.

Guaranteed Departure
EXPLORE

Alsace - Black Forest - Switzerland

September 24 - October 05, 2026

Land Only from Zurich Airport: $4,395 based on double occupancy

Re-scheduled for Fall 2027
EXPLORE

Food Focus: Piedmont

October 16 - 26, 2026

Land only: $5,545 based on double occupancy

Waitlist Only
EXPLORE